Bob Muller This is Me

Education

 Web References

1. 1. MNSUN - News

   www.mnsun.com/story.asp?city=M - [Cached]

   Published on: 6/5/2003   Last Visited: 6/6/2003

   After losing a filmstrip as a first-year teacher, Bob Muller sneaked into the library after hours, found the filmstrip's library card and destroyed it so no one would know he had lost it. Thirty-four years later, Muller is now finishing up his educational career as Hopkins Schools' Director of Teaching and Learning.
   
   Muller spent his entire 35-year career in the Hopkins School District. After majoring in elementary education at the University of Minnesota, he began teaching sixth grade at Katherine Curren fresh out of college in 1968. At the end of his first year - the year of his filmstrip incident - Muller also spent a little time in the Marine reserves.
   
   During his second year, he began teaching fifth grade at Westview Elementary, which is no longer in existence. Muller added that a lot of things have changed in the Hopkins School District since he started: the district had 10 elementary schools, three junior high schools and two high schools when he began working.
   
   In 1971, Muller transferred to a third elementary school, Gatewood, where he was the school's first reading resource teacher. The role of a reading resource teacher was still being defined when he arrived. These teachers, each with a background in reading and literature, helped with reading lessons, worked with classroom teachers and helped with staff development. Muller said that this position, which he occupied until 1985, afforded him the opportunity to work with parents, teachers and students to focus on reading. "That's probably one of the fondest memories that I have," he said of that position.
   
   In 1985, Muller became the reading and ESL (English as a Second Language) coordinator for the district. At this time, he had several other assignments as well, including the development of a new program called Mastery Management, a new form of scoring tests and compiling diagnostic information. This program, though developed in the Hopkins School District, was distributed on a national level.
   
   In 1997, Muller was named the Director of Teaching and Learning. Under this title, he helps to formulate the district's curriculum with a team of 15 others, school principals and the superintendent. He said that the goal is "to really make sure we have a current, strong, vibrant curriculum throughout the district."
   
   Some of Muller's other achievements during his tenure with Hopkins Schools are the implementations of new programs. One, called Companion Reading, brings a phonics emphasis to children just learning how to read. A recent accomplishment is the elementary reporting system that all elementary teachers use to complete student achievement reports online. He has also helped start a third program that helps new teachers adjust to the district and had a hand in creating Hopkins Online Academy.
   
   Muller said that the people associated with District 270 have been great to work with, especially his co-workers. "The thing that has been consistent and constant throughout my entire career is the outstanding staff we have throughout the entire district. Second to none," he said. He also noted the support of students and parents as outstanding.
   
   The school district itself applauded Muller for his hard work.
   ...
   Kong added that colleagues and co-workers note Muller as being compassionate, caring and patient in his work.
   ...
   Muller said that the fact that many other staff members spend the duration of their careers in the Hopkins School District is a testament to its overall quality. "This has been a tremendous place to work," he said.
   
   After leaving Hopkins Schools on June 30, Muller plans to take a bit of a breather. He and his wife plan to spend the next year travelling, spending time with grandchildren and rebuilding their lake cabin.

2. 2. MNSUN - News

   www.mnsun.com/story.asp?city=M - [Cached]

   Published on: 5/1/2003   Last Visited: 5/5/2003

   Bob Muller, director of Teaching and Learning, reported that this year 88 percent of Hopkins eighth-graders passed the reading skills test and that 78 percent of students passed the math test.
   
   The scores are quite similar to last year's scores when 87 percent of eighth-graders passed the reading test and 79 percent of students passed the math test. Hopkins was still ahead of the state scores. The state numbers show that 81 percent of students passed the reading test and 72 percent passed the math test.
   
   Muller said that usually the students who fail to pass the skills test are somehow disadvantaged.
   
   "Students who are at greater risk, who are not passing in eighth grade, include students new to the district, students who live in poverty, special education students and English language learners. This pattern is similar to patterns found throughout the state," Muller said.
   
   He said the district plans to take steps to help improve scores for next year's tests including implementing math benchmarks for grades seven through nine.

3. 3. MNSUN - News

   www.mnsun.com/story.asp?city=M - [Cached]

   Published on: 4/17/2003   Last Visited: 4/18/2003

   Bob Muller, director of teaching and learning for Hopkins Schools, said that school officials are analyzing the data and will release a full report later in the school year.
   
   According to the Department of Children, Families and Learning's Web site, results of the tests are based on the overall quality of students' compositions.